Health Sciences (BHSc) at McMaster: Admission Average
McMaster University · Hamilton, ON
What average do you need for Health Sciences (BHSc) at McMaster?
Health Sciences (BHSc) at McMaster University typically admits students with averages of about 95–99%. It is the most competitive of the 15 McMaster programs we track.
Canada's single most competitive undergrad program. Character counts as much as grades.
How competitive is it?
Of the 4 universities we track that offer it, none ask for a higher average and 3 ask for a lower average.
As a rough guide, 99% or higher is above the typical range, 95% up to 99% is inside it, and 91% up to 95% is a reach. Cut-offs move every year, so apply to a mix of schools.
Ontario applicants are assessed on their top six Grade 12 U/M courses, including the program's prerequisites. Work out yours with the Best 6 calculator.
Health Sciences at other universities
- University of Ottawa – high 80s-low 90s
- Ontario Tech University – high 80s
- Simon Fraser University – high 80s
Typical high school prerequisites
- English
- Advanced Functions
- Biology
- Chemistry
- One additional U/M course
First-year courses
- Inquiry & Research Skills
- Human Biology
- Chemistry
- Statistics
- Social Determinants of Health
These are typical for Health Sciences programs across Canada. About the Health Sciences degree
After a Health Sciences degree
Health Sciences usually takes 4 years. Many graduates go on to graduate or professional school.
- Family Physician / GP – $180,000 to $400,000
- Psychiatrist – $250,000 to $400,000
- Research Scientist – $60,000 to $140,000
- Registered Nurse (RN) – $65,000 to $110,000
- Receiving a BHSc from McMaster alone does not guarantee medical school admission - internal competition is extremely high.
- The problem-based learning format is very different from traditional science programs - some students thrive, others don't.
- Character and leadership count as much as grades in the supplemental application - generic essays are screened out immediately.
Applying to McMaster
McMaster University is a research powerhouse best known for pioneering problem-based learning and for its Health Sciences program, which is widely regarded as the single most competitive undergraduate program in Canada. Located in Hamilton, Ontario, McMaster has a strong culture of collaborative inquiry and is particularly respected in health sciences, engineering, and business.
McMaster University is in Hamilton, ON, was founded in 1887 and has about 37,000 students. Domestic tuition is about $6,200 a year, co-op is available and first-year residence is guaranteed.
Deadlines: OUAC (Ontario) January 15.
- Health Sciences receives thousands of applications for ~240 spots. A 95% average still doesn't guarantee admission.
- The supplemental component for Health Sciences asks about community, leadership, and personal challenges - grades alone won't get you in.
- McMaster's MD program has its own selective process (including the Casper test and MMI interviews) - Health Sciences undergrad is a common but not guaranteed pathway.
Other McMaster programs
- Nursing (BScN) – high 90s (92-96%+)
- iBioMed (Biomedical Eng.) – mid-to-high 90s
- Life Sciences – high 80s-low 90s
- Chemical Engineering – high 80s-low 90s
- Electrical Engineering – high 80s-low 90s
- Mechanical Engineering – high 80s
- Mechatronics Engineering – high 80s-low 90s
- Software Engineering – high 80s-low 90s
- Computer Science – high 80s
- Commerce (DeGroote) – high 80s
- Biochemistry – high 80s
- Arts & Science (IntArts) – high 80s
- Kinesiology – high 80s
- Psychology (Honours) – high 80s